Friday Night Jazz at Alvin & Friends Springs Into May with a New Line Up

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - May 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Alvin & Friends and G&J Productions (curators of the series), continue their new jazz series with renowned pianist Mike LeDonne, saxophonist Ralph Lalama, and the Caribbean groove of trumpeter Etienne Charles. And, by popular demand, they will bring back the outstanding combination of vocalist Tammy McCann and Grammy-winner Laurence Hobgood.

MAY 9:     MIKE LEDONNE TRIO

LeDonne is one of the best jazz pianists in the world, with international renown deriving from his versatile prowess and depth of swing. He paid his dues by playing, touring or recording with jazz masters from Benny Goodman to Milt Jackson, Benny Golson to Sonny Rollins. He has won praise not only from critics but from master musicians: Oscar Peterson picked him as one of his favorite pianists. His latest recording, Speak, featuring his longtime trio mates Joe Farnsworth (drums) and John Webber (bass) was considered one of the best of 2013 by the Detroit Free Press.

Mike LeDonne, piano
John Webber, bass
Joe Farnsworth, drums

MAY 16:     RALPH LALAMA TRIO

A solid fixture of the New York jazz scene and respected world-wide, Westchester resident Ralph Lalama embodies the best of the jazz sound ideal – great time and swing, expressed melodically. He excels in the chord-less trio format of his Bop Juice group with amazing command of harmonic progressions. But on top of being a great jazz soloist, Lalama is equally a solid veteran of jazz ensembles and orchestras. Over his impressive career starting with Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, and the Mel Lewis Orchestra – now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra – he has honed the craft of sonic blending.

Ralph Lalama, saxophone
Joel Forbes, bass
Clifford Barbaro, drums

MAY 23:    TAMMY MCCANN AND LAURENCE HOBGOOD: LEGENDARY LADIES OF JAZZ

Back by popular demand, the songstress Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune says possesses “one of the most voluptuously beautiful voices in jazz”: Tammy McCann!  Join Tammy and Grammy winning pianist and arranger Laurence Hobgood as they reimagine special renditions such as Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes,” Sarah Vaughan’s “Misty,” Ella Fitzgerald’s “How High the Moon” and Billie Holiday’s “Don’t Explain.”

Tammy MCCann, vocals
Laurence Hobgood, piano
Steve Williams, drums
Harvie S, bass

MAY 30:    ETIENNE CHARLES TRIO

Trinidadian born, Juilliard Jazz grad Etienne Charles’s stellar musicianship and infectious showmanship sets him apart. And his new album, Creole Soul, a captivating journey of new jazz expression, buoyantly taps into myriad styles rooted in his Afro-Caribbean background. He plumbs the musical depths of the islands, from calypso to Haitian sacred music. Also in the jazz amalgam mix are rock steady, reggae, belair, kongo and rock as well as the influence of Motown and R&B music Charles listened to on his parents' record player when he was growing up.

Etienne Charles, trumpet/percussion
Kris Bowers, piano
Michael Olatuja, bass

Sets:  7:30 pm & 9:30 pm

Tickets:  $15 in advance/$20 at door

800 956-1554   or   www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com

Alvin & Friends Restaurant

14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle

Alvin & Friends is Zagat rated 26 for food, 26 for décor and 26 for service and named by Westchester Magazine as one of the “Best of Westchester” for 2013.